inestimable

[ in-es-tuh-muh-buhl ]

adjective

1. incapable of being estimated or assessed.
2. too large or great to be estimated or appreciated:

   The flood caused inestimable damage.

3. of incalculable value; valuable beyond measure; priceless:

   jewels of inestimable worth.

inestimable

/ ɪnˈɛstɪməbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be estimated; immeasurable
2. of immeasurable value

Derived Forms

• inˈestimably, adverb
• inˌestimaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• in·esti·ma·bili·ty in·esti·ma·ble·ness noun
• in·esti·ma·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inestimable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word inaestimābilis. See in- ³, estimable

Example Sentences

“I have given the country back a treasure of inestimable worth, and instead of being thankful, they throw me in jail. It’s the height of ingratitude.”

From Literature

He added that he praised those who "guard the inestimable historical and artistic value of the Colosseum with dedication, care and sacrifice".

From BBC

The body is similarly inestimable, and Callaway said there’s a never-ending quest to figure out all the variables trainers can control.

From Washington Post

He continues, "Blind patriotism has done inestimable damage to the souls of thousands of our returning warriors."

From Salon

These cumulative burdens had consumed an inestimable amount of time and energy.

From New York Times